Even if you know the criticism isn’t entirely fair, it can still sting. A manager, friend, relative or stranger’s comment can echo in your mind for hours. You may feel the need to defend yourself, to explain it all, to prove the person wrong, there and then.The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, Verses 18-19, offer a powerful perspective for such moments. Krishna says that a balanced person is the one who is not affected by praise and blame, honour and dishonour. The teaching doesn’t tell you to dismiss criticism. It asks you not to give over your inner balance to every opinion.
Criticism Can Trigger the Ego Before the Mind Thinks
The initial reaction to criticism is often emotional. You might get defensive before you even consider if there is anything useful in the comment. Pride immediately builds a defence.It can turn a small problem into a big one. You start to focus on the person giving the feedback, not the feedback itself. Suddenly their weaknesses matter more than the point being argued.Krishna’s teaching encourages a more stable response.
Not Every Negative Comment Deserves the Same Weight
Some criticism is great. A manager may identify a real weakness in your work Someone close to you may observe a behaviour you’ve been avoiding.Other criticism may stem from jealousy, anger, misunderstanding, or someone else’s expectations. To treat both varieties alike is to cause unnecessary confusion.The useful question is not just “Did this hurt me?” Ask whether anything in what was said is correct. That is the divorce of emotion from information.
Praise Can Also Become a Trap
Krishna puts praise and blame together for a reason. Both can mess with your sense of self if you rely too much on outside approval.If you get your power from compliments, you may feel worthless from criticism. Then your confidence fluctuates based on other people’s reactions.A more stable mind appreciates, not addictive. It can also take criticism without falling apart.That balance safeguards judgement.
You Do Not Need to Defend Yourself Immediately
Hasty in response might lead to remorse. You can respond sharply, send an emotional message, or make the conversation more personal than it has to be.Waiting allows you to separate hurt from fact. Maybe the criticism calls for a cool response. Maybe it should be fixed. Silence will sometimes be enough.Not all opinions need to be defended immediately.
Krishna’s Lesson Is About Emotional Independence
In Bhagavad Gita 12.18-19, the mind is said to be difficult to control with praise, insult, approval or rejection. This doesn’t mean someone can’t be sensitive. It delays their reaction.Before you respond to a criticism, see what is being questioned. Is it your actual behaviour or your ego’s need to be seen in a positive light? Krishna teaches that you have real strength when another person’s words can inform you but not automatically control you.
